Martial Arts is a subject close to my heart.  I am a black belt in Shotokan Karate, a traditional Japanese style.
It took me quite awhile to get my black belt as I trained about an hour away from home and also was learning the art while having babies.  Two of my three were born while I was training.  I went back to training within 4 weeks of having my second son, and 3 weeks after having my daughter.

The point of this article, however, is not about that.  The point is what a good martial arts school, instructor, program can do for you and your children.  Ironic to be writing this since none of my children ever wanted anything to do with it, mostly because they would be learning from me, not a great idea.  But I digress.  Some parents are afraid to put their kids in martial arts programs, especially kids who might be a little wild, perhaps slightly aggressive.  The truth is, it is one of the best things you can do for them, especially the aggressive ones.

Martial arts teaches kids discipline, and respect.  A good instructor will warn his/her students that there will be
consequences for using anything learned in classes outside of the dojo (place of learning).

I was blessed to be one of the first 7 students in my Sensei's karate program.  There was a father and son another father and his son and daughter, and I think one other child and myself.  I watched as these kids went from being your basic 10 year old kids, into strong, independent, secure adults.  I am amazed at the kind of adults this program turned out, and it's funny to see that same 10 year old boy, now be a married father and an incredible adult who is an educator himself.  (wow, I am dating myself, clearly)  I saw many other kids come out of these programs, and even kids who I myself taught in our Deerfield after school program continue their training and become black belts themselves, some still competing, some have moved on and are in college now.  It's like watching your own babies grow up.

So how do you pick the school that's right for you?  My recommendation for yourself or your kids... go observe a class.  Being close to home helps, although that didn't happen in my world.  You must like the methods that the teacher is using.  Go take a class, go watch a class, ask questions, get the feel for the dojo.  Find out what the Sensei or Master expects of his students.  Does he care about your child or is he just trying to get as many people to sign that unlimited package as possible.  You have to trust your gut.

After school programs are also a good way to start.  My dojo, Focus Martial Arts is in most of the Deerfield Schools.  It is a program I began years ago when I was still teaching and it has grown ostensibly.  The teachers are the absolute best.  Whatever program you decide to go with, remember the confidence, strength and mind body connection that martial arts cultivates.   This writer can tell you there is nothing else like it on the planet as far as I am concerned.

Arigato!